Many travelers dream of visiting Morocco, but planning the trip can be overwhelming. There are busy cities, quiet villages, deserts, beaches, and mountains. To enjoy your time fully, it’s essential to know how to plan a Morocco trip. Our guide will walk you through the basics, from choosing the best places to visit to finding where to stay. Getting around is also important. For more comfort and freedom, you can rent a car in Morocco instead of joining group tours.
Morocco welcomes tourists, but it helps to know some cultural norms before you arrive. Here’s what to expect when you visit Morocco:
Morocco has many cities and regions, but they offer different experiences. Your road trip should include a mix of cities, nature, and coastal towns. Here are some important cities and what you can expect.
Marrakech’s medina is a maze of red walls, narrow streets, and busy markets. You will find street performers at Djemaa El Fna, the city’s main square. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and Bahia Palace to see Morocco's Islamic architecture and royal history. Don't miss the Ben Youssef Madrasa and Jardin Majorelle.
Essaouira is a peaceful beach town with ocean winds and soft light. It’s great for walking along the shore or watching surfers. The medina is small and easier to explore than in Marrakech. You’ll find Jewish history here at the House of Memory museum and the home of Rabbi Chaim Pinto. The Jewish cemetery is right by the sea, with one of the most beautiful tombs in Morocco. The town is also known for argan oil, and you can visit a local women’s cooperative to learn how it’s made. Stay close to the beach for the best views.
Fes is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. Its medina is large, with over 9,000 alleys and many dead ends. Inside, each area is run by a different trade, such as leather, wood, ceramics, and more. Each location includes a mosque, a bathhouse, a bakery, a school, and a fountain. You’ll see the Bou Inania Madrasa, the el-Attarine Madrasa, and a rooftop view of the Qaraouiyine Mosque. Fes also has many Jewish sites, including synagogues and an old cemetery.
Casablanca is Morocco’s biggest city and a business hub. The main sight is the Hassan II Mosque, one of the biggest in the world. It stands on the edge of the Atlantic with a retractable roof, heated floors, and a 60-story minaret. You can also visit the Jewish Museum of Morocco, the only one in the Arab world, and see the Neve Shalom school, where Jewish life continues.
Rabat is Morocco’s modern capital. It is more organized and relaxed than Marrakech or Fes. The best place to explore is Chellah, a set of Roman and Mauretanian ruins with gardens and storks. The site was recently restored. You can use an audio guide and enjoy a drink at the café with a bay view. The Jewish quarter, or mellah, is still active in Rabat.
Meknes was once the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail. Its main attraction is the Bab Mansour Gate, one of the biggest city gates in the world. It was built to show off the sultan’s power and victory. However, the city is now hard to visit because large restoration projects block streets and areas.
Taghazout is a surf town in the south of Morocco. It used to be a quiet fishing village, but now it is full of surf schools, hotels, and tourists. The area has grown fast and includes big hotels like Hilton and Hyatt. Local leaders want to keep the town clean and protect the Amazigh culture. They promote eco-tourism and ask travelers to avoid plastic waste. If you're interested in surfing, this is the best place in Morocco. Just be prepared for crowded beaches and surf zones.
Renting a car is the best way to explore smaller towns, mountains, or deserts. You can pick up a car in cities like Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakech. Roads between cities are well-paved, but medinas are not made for cars. Ensure your hotel offers parking if you're staying in the old city. Rent a car with air conditioning, check if it includes GPS, or ask for a Wi-Fi router.
Small taxis are common in cities. Always agree on the fare before you get in. Most drivers do not use meters. Apps like Bolt work in big cities and are safer than haggling on the street. For airport pickups or long rides, ask your hotel for help.
Buses are cheap and used for longer trips. But schedules can change and delays happen. Trains connect major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Fes. The trains are clean and affordable, but always buy tickets early. Bring water and snacks for the ride.
Choosing where to stay in Morocco depends on your budget and convenience. You can choose between riads, hotels, resorts, or desert camps.
Every country has its own stle and rhythm. These Morocco travel tips will help you enjoy the journey without problems.
While Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca are popular, there is so much more to see. Add these stops to make your trip feel full and well-rounded.
Tucked in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its blue walls and quiet charm. It is called the Blue City because its walls and streets are painted bright blue. It takes about 4 hours from Fes, but it's worth it. The Spanish Mosque sits above the town and gives you wide views. Outside the city, you can hike to the Akchour Waterfalls and see natural spots like God’s Bridge.
The Atlas Mountains offer great views and cool air. You can visit small Berber villages and eat traditional food. The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a highlight. You can hike, take boat rides, and even see monkeys. It’s a long day trip from Marrakech, but worth the drive. Bring good shoes, layers, and waterproof bags.
You can ride camels, sleep in tents, and watch the stars. Desert trips often include a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a famous ancient village. Some camps near Erg Chigaga are run by local Amazigh people who cook traditional food and play music. These tours are long but unforgettable. Bring layers for cold nights and sunscreen for the day.
Morocco has a deep Jewish history. You can trace this history in every major city, from synagogues and schools to cemeteries and museums. The Jewish quarters, or melah, are preserved in cities like Fes and Essaouira. Many Jewish travelers visit old homes and graves of sages and meet the few families who still live there.
You can visit ancient synagogues like Lazama and Neve Shalom in Marrakech and Fes. These are now part of museum spaces. Some cemeteries hold thousands of graves and are kept clean by the community. Look for blue-painted tombs, often marking spiritual leaders known as tzaddikim.
The museum in Casablanca is the only Jewish museum in the Arab world. It holds artifacts from across Morocco, including Torah crowns, scrolls, and photos. It shows how Jewish life, business, and faith were part of Morocco's story.
Jews were never expelled from Morocco like in other Arab countries. Many now live in Israel or Europe, but return to visit family graves and celebrate holidays. Locals, including Berbers and Arabs, show respect for this shared past. It creates a unique feeling of connection, even for visitors.
After exploring this guide, you can plan a Morocco trip more easily. You’ve seen where to go, from busy cities to peaceful towns. Also, you’ve learned key tips about culture, travel, and money. Each place offers something special, whether it’s surfing in Taghazout, shopping in Fes, or hiking near the Atlas Mountains. Rent a car with Final Rentals to enjoy a smoother trip. Choose from small cars for city drives or 4x4s for mountain roads. You can book online, pick up your car at the airport, and drive with comfort across Morocco.
